Full Mouth Restoration

Alternatively known as tooth whitening, it is a cosmetic dental procedure that lightens your natural tooth color by about five or six shades using peroxide-based bleaching agents.

Full mouth restoration is an exhaustive process involving restoration all or most of the teeth in both upper and lower jaws. It is also referred to as full mouth reconstruction or full mouth rehabilitation.

It may involve various aspects of dentistry like implants, veneers, crowns, bridges, inlays, onlays and may also require some treatment for gums, or even orthodontic treatment (involving movement and alignment of teeth).

A full mouth restoration is basically a combination of dental treatments aimed at improving several aspects of your smile, in addition to restoring proper function.

The treatment could get very costly in the first world nations but if one goes for dental work in Mexico, India or Thailand, the cost attached to the procedure is much lesser and he could save up to 30 to 50% on the entire process.

Who is a good candidate?

Patients with bite problems, i.e. people in whom the upper and lower jaws do not close together comfortably.

People with several injured or fractured teeth.

Many teeth lost due to decay or trauma.

Poor condition of teeth and gums due to inadequate oral hygiene.

Long-term acid erosion of teeth due to the patient’s poor diet, or acid reflux disease.

Painful jaw movements, headaches originating from tooth problems.

Misaligned teeth.

Who is not a good candidate?

Patients in which dental problems have resulted from some medical conditions.

Those who are unable to maintain oral hygiene.

Uncooperative, apprehensive patients, who are reluctant even to minor dental treatments.

Patients with severe medical problems, which make them unfit for any surgical or invasive process.

Typical Steps for Full Mouth Restoration

Comprehensive examination of teeth is the first and the most important step in full mouth restoration. The dentist must take sufficient time to diagnose the patient, including the use of x-rays/CAT scan, bite analysis, joint vibration analysis (JVA) and digital imagery, and then discuss the treatment plan at length with him.

This also involves discussing the lifestyle, state of health and expectations of the patient, and briefing him about the treatment options considered best in his case.

Cost of the treatment may vary from patient to patient. It depends largely on the processes required for complete restoration of oral structures in an individual. One could get free quote online and plan the trip accordingly.

Broadly, the following steps are involved:

Restoring Missing Teeth

By examining the condition of the teeth, the dentist will determine what procedures may be necessary to restore their proper form and function. The carious will be filled; those with extensive decay may require root canal treatment; other worn-out, eroded, cracked teeth may need to be restored with porcelain veneers or full-coverage crowns, bridges, inlays or onlays.

If some teeth are too damaged to be restored, they may have to be extracted and replaced with bridges, or implants (depending upon the case, and the patient preference). Bleaching/whitening treatment may also be required if the teeth are discolored.

Periodontal (gum) tissues

Bleeding gums is a common problem among patients, and complete oral prophylaxis is generally required. Scaling and root planning may be required to remove calculus, and other deposits from the teeth, and a periodontist’s intervention may be needed to ensure that the newly reconstructed teeth have a solid foundation.

Periodontal treatments could involve soft tissue or bone grafts to restore the gums and alveolar bone. This phase will also involve the elimination of any deep pockets, or any infectious diseases of the gums, which cause loosening of the teeth and are also responsible for bad breath.

Restoration of Bite/Examination of Joints

Pain during chewing, yawning or laughing may indicate problems of the musculature and temporo-mandibular joint (the joint between the lower jaw and the skull). If severe problem in these areas exists, you may need to see an oral surgeon.

Orthodontic treatment (concerned with movement of teeth) could help bring the teeth into a proper occlusal relationship, and may have to be involved in full mouth restoration.

The evolving trend of dental tourism encourages patients to travel for cheaper procedures and get treated in the best possible manner. Full mouth restoration is an expensive desire to fulfill for many but due to the emergence of modern dental clinics offering costly procedures like Straumann teeth implants and Zimmer teeth implants in Thailand, Mexico or India at a price unheard of in developed nations like the US or the UK, patients are encouraged to cover huge distances to get that happy curve on their faces.

Esthetics

Once the oral structures are brought to a satisfactorily healthy state, the dentist will work on improving the esthetics. Esthetic may have already been improved by orthodontic treatment, bleaching etc, but depending upon the patient’s needs, other procedures, like, crown lengthening (for very short teeth), contouring of gum line, depigmentation (of the gums) may be carried out to make a beautiful smile, and bring new confidence to the patient.

DentaVacation facilitates affordable dental treatments at various destinations across the world. For more information, submit the estimate-request form on the right.